Berlin’s public transport operator BVG and Volkswagen’s mobility subsidiary Moia have begun testing autonomous versions of the ID. Buzz electric van on public roads in the German capital. The initiative marks a major milestone in the NoWeL4 (North-West Area Level 4) project, designed to evaluate how autonomous driving could enhance future public transport systems.
Supported by €9.5 million in funding from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, the project focuses on collecting data and operational experience under real-world conditions. The first Volkswagen ID. Buzz AD (Autonomous Driving) vehicles, equipped with Level 4 technology, are being tested without passengers but with safety drivers on board.
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Each vehicle features 27 sensors, including cameras, LiDARs, and radars, to create a continuous 360-degree view of its surroundings. The self-driving system is powered by autonomous technology from Mobileye, while Moia provides software and operational management. Volkswagen first introduced the ID. Buzz AD in June 2024, with similar vehicles planned for deployment in other international markets, including the United States.
Passenger trials are scheduled to start in early 2026 in a 15-square-kilometre zone covering the districts of Spandau, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, and Reinickendorf. The service will operate on demand via an app, serving around 80 designated stops during weekday hours from 09:00 to 16:00. Participation will be open to selected users, with free rides offered during the trial phase.
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The test period is set to continue until 2027, after which BVG and Moia aim to roll out a regular autonomous shuttle service. Both companies plan to expand the system to larger fleets and wider areas, positioning Berlin as one of Europe’s early adopters of autonomous urban mobility.
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